Monday, February 18, 2013

WIP, Finishes and a Give Away!

We're on the back side of February.  Can you believe it!
Spring is getting closer every day!
To celebrate, I'm having a give away.

First though, I'd like to share a WIP that's been hanging around my house for a very long time.
Before I began this blog, I started an EPP (English Paper Piecing) project with hexagons.




Let me just say, I love the look of EPP, but my hands sure don't like the way they feel after hand piecing!

I had a fairly decent, circular chunk of these 2" sweeties sewn together but didn't want to continue hand piecing since I've learned to machine piece hexagons.  I came across them last week while cleaning my sewing storage space in the sunroom.

I wish I had taken pictures, but when inspiration strikes, sometimes you just have to go with it!

I took my rotary cutter and ruler and chopped a semi-circular shape into 7" wide strips of the hexies.  Then sewed these strips into a 42" long strip, sashing with a 2 1/4" neutral fabric.
I started quilting it on Tuesday and finished it up on Wednesday.  Just a close meandering stitch all over.
I love the watercolor wash feel and look of it all!


Here's a sneak peek pre-binding.  


A bonus is that while in the sunroom cleaning, I found some orphan blocks pre-blog as well.  Soft, romantic fabrics and colors.  I sewed these together to make a straight diagonal line for the backing.

Here's a better shot of the back.


Some shots taken at homeschool co-op where the lighting is so much better than at home.



And here it is in its new home!


Okay, now for the give away!
Amy at Nana Company has an awesome tutorial on her blog.


How sweet is this!
Using her directions, I've made a Spring Needlebook to share with one of you.


I picked out happy springey colors for my version and added a mini pincushion!


Here's a "page" from the inside.  I've included some sewing things for you as well.


A few years ago, Rene' sent along the Blessings ribbon wrapped around some fabric I won.  I've kept it ever since to repurpose for something very special.  Blessings are what I'm hoping come to each one of us as we go about our lives.  We share a bond of love of sewing and quilting.  A bond that is expressed everywhere on blogland in the giving, friendships and blessings I see every day.

There are three chances to win per person.
Leave a comment here for a chance (please leave me a way to contact you), become a follower (and let me know or tell me you already are), and another one for blogging about the give-away and let me know so I can come visit your blog too!  I will announce the winner on Monday the 25th.

Don't forget to attend these virtual quilt shows this week for encouragement and inspiration!
Tuesdays-Quilt Story and I have to say
Wednesdays-Freshly Pieced
Fridays-Crazy Mom Quilts










49 comments:

  1. love the runner!!! I would love to win....

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  2. The table runner is gorgeous with colors placed as only you can. I've said it before I know, I just love the way you combine fabrics, colors, textures, everything!

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  3. Beautiful table runner! I wish I had something long and rectangular to make one for! Thanks for the chance to win the needle book and pin cushion. I need both!

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  4. I follow your RSS feed on google reader.

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  5. Watercolor wash is a perfect description of your beautiful table runner! Thanks so much for your giveaway... love the needlebook & pincushion combo!

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  6. Love your table runner! The colors are all so pretty.

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  7. Your table runner is beautiful! Love the needlevbook & pincushion. I am so ready for Spring!

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  8. I recognize that Blessings ribbon! So pretty in the needlebook. Your hexie table runner is lovely!

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  9. The pincushion is so lovely. Love to win :)

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  10. What a beautiful needlebook and pincushion! And what a generous giveaway! I treasure things made by hand. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  11. What gorgeous makes! I love the fabrics you've chosen :)

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  12. I LOVE what you did with the hexies - the colors are amazing. I have never tried EPP, but I think my hands would not like it either. How nice ot have found a new blog. =)

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  13. Here I am, a new follower. Thanks for sharing your show and tell and for a lovely little giveaway.

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  14. The table runner is wonderful. Both sides of it.

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  15. What a great runner. It always amazes me how old projects that we've given up on can have new life later on with a second look. Nice job.

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  16. I think the runner is beautiful -- must feel good to get beautiful useful pieces using your old forgotten work! (almost like instant gratification!) The giveaway is lovely as well, and I would love to win. Thank you for the chance!

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  17. What a pretty runner...I have a box or two of hexies hiding somewhere...just the inspiration I need to get them out. Cute needlebook and pin cushion..can never have enough of them...thanks for the chance to win them..LindaB

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  18. Hi again...even thought I have been reading you blog for a little while ...I am now a follower...LindaB

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  19. That runner is absolutely gorgeous! The colors are amazing! Thanks for the fun giveaway, too!

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  20. As always, there is so much eye candy here! You have such a great, unique way with color.

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  21. Great runner, love the little giveaway too.

    mindingmomma(at)aol(dot)com

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  22. I really like the watercolor effect of your hexies. Nicely done.

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  23. I love the colours--makes me smile, and think of warmer days!
    :o)
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

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  24. I'm a new follower via GFC.

    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

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  25. Cute! I love your hexie table runner. And, NO, I can't believe we're in the second half of February!

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  26. I love your hexi table runner especially the colourwash effect. The little needlebook is gorgeous and if I am not lucky enough to win this one, I may have to make one of my own. I have been a follower of your blog for a little while now and I love to visit.
    Cath @ Bits 'n Bobs

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  27. The table runner is gorgeous! Incidentally, I took the Austen quiz and I'm another Eleanor wishing she were Elizabeth. :)

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  28. Beautiful runners - what a great idea! And I love the needle book. This is my first visit to your blog, and I will be back! :)

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  29. Beautiful runners! Love the needle book and pin cushion. One can never have enough of those!

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  30. The runner looks so pretty. I admire people who make quilts using EPP, but I don't think I'm one of them! Great needle book, I'd love to win it.

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  31. I love the table runner! And the needle book is just beautiful :)

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  32. I'm very happy o have found your blog through wip Wednesday and am a new follower :)

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